travel information
climate
Located 17 degrees south of the equator, Bora Bora enjoys a year-round tropical climate. Temperatures range from about 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82°F). The months of November to April are hotter and more humid, with occasional rain. From May to October, the weather is dry and the nights cooled by the trade winds which are strongest at this time of the year.
language
French and Tahitian are the official languages on Bora Bora but people associated with tourism on the island understand English.
currency
The currency of French Polynesia is the French Pacific franc usually referred to in its abbreviated form of CFP (Cour de Franc Pacifique). Bank notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000, and coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. While US dollars are widely accepted at tourist establishments it is advisable to convert your home currency into CFP upon arrival to gain better value.
immigration requirements
Most visitors to French Polynesia require visas except passport holders from European Union countries, the United States, Canada, Japan and Cook Islanders travelling on New Zealand passports. Check with your nearest French consulate.
health
A doctor is on call at Hotel Bora Bora 24 hours a day. Medical care and infrastructure in French Polynesia is generally of a standard comparable to that in most developed countries. There are modern medical facilities in Tahiti with hospitals and private clinics largely concentrated in Papeete. Visitors may wish to consult with their doctor.
travel tips
Electricity is 220/230 volts. French Polynesia’s time zone is minus 10 hours GMT. It is two hours behind US Pacific Standard Time and 20 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Light tropical clothing is advisable. Private vessels must be registered with the local gendarmerie in Bora Bora, which is a port of entry. There is no port fee in Bora Bora, but vessels stopping in Tahiti will be levied a port fee based on the vessel’s length. Private jets must clear customs formalities in Tahiti first.